Flags to be flown at half-staff on May 15th, Peace Officers Memorial Day

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Tuesday, May 15 - Peace Officers Memorial Day - flags across the United States are to be flown at half-staff in remembrance of the nearly 18,000 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty in our nation's history.

This tribute to American law enforcement is part of the historic crime bill signed into law by President Bill Clinton in 1994. At the request of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Public Law 103-322 designates Peace Officers Memorial Day as one of only two days during which all residents, businesses and government agencies are required to lower their U.S. flags. The other day with this honor is Memorial Day, which commemorates those who died in military service to the country.

"Lowering flags on Peace Officers Memorial Day is an appropriate way to show our respect for those brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice and to remember the family, friends and colleagues they left behind," said Craig W. Floyd, NLEOMF chairman. "It also is an important reminder of the continued service and sacrifice of the 800,000 law enforcement officers who protect our communities and safeguard our democracy day in and day out."

In 1962, President John Kennedy designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day. The calendar week in which May 15 falls is National Police Week, with this year's commemoration on May 13-19.

As part of National Police Week, the names of 145 law enforcement officers killed in 2006, as well as 237 others who died in prior years, will be formally dedicated on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., during the 19th Annual Candlelight Vigil on the evening of May 13.

MEDIA CONTACT: Kevin Morison, 202-737-7134

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The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund was established in 1984 to generate increased public support for the law enforcement profession by permanently recording and appropriately commemorating the service and sacrifice of all federal, state and local law enforcement officers.